What evidence is there about the effects of health care reforms on gender equity, particularly in health?

ABSTRACT

This is a Health Evidence Network (HEN) evidence report on the effects of health care reforms on gender equity, particularly in health. Emerging evidence shows that health care reforms can affect men and women differently, as a consequence of their different positions as users and producers of health care. This review assesses the impact of four key health care reforms – decentralization, financing, privatization and priority setting – on gender equity in health. HEN, initiated and coordinated by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, is an information service for public health and health care decision-makers in the WHO European Region. Other interested parties might also benefit from HEN.